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NORTH CONWAY - Firefighters from as far away as Milton and Wakefield battled a fierce fire at the Red Jacket Inn on Saturday, a fire that started on the resort's third floor and saw guests jumping to second floor balconies to save their lives.
The first fire crews to arrive shortly after the tone was sounded around 2:45 p.m. found smoke pouring from the third floor in the south wing of the building where guests were evacuating. At one point, some guests could be seen jumping from upper-level to lower-level balconies before safely escaping at the ground level.
Strong, gusty wind challenged firefighters battling the blaze.
Two firefighters and one civilian were treated at the scene for what were described as non-life threatening injuries. They were transported to Memorial Hospital as a precaution.
At this time, there have been no reports of unaccounted for guests, according to a press release sent out by the state's Dept. of Safety. Guests staying at the Red Jacket were offered hospitality at another nearby resort.
The North Conway Fire Department has requested the assistance of multiple surrounding communities, including: Conway, Center Conway, East Conway, Redstone, Bartlett, Jackson, Madison, Tamworth, Ossipee, Center Ossipee, Moultonborough, Center Harbor, Sandwich, Milton, Wolfeboro, Shelburne, Effingham, and Wakefield. Resources from Action Ambulance and Lakes Region Mutual Aid also have been provided.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal also was contacted to assist in the follow-up investigation. They were still on scene as of last night.
Route 16, which had been previously closed in the area of the fire, has been reopened. While traffic is flowing in both directions, residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area if possible.
Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (603) 223-4289.
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